


^. \ 







FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 



FLIGHTS 
AND FANCIES 



BY 

ELIZABETH LOCKHART WICKLIFFE 






KENTUCKY 
1909 






Copyrighted, 1909 

BY 

ELIZABETH LOCKHAET WICKLIFFE. 



LIBRARY of CONGRESS 

JUL ^ l^^^ 

^ cup/ >j. 



DEDICATION 



TO KENTUCKY 



I dedicate this volume in honor of the Bhie 
Grass State of the Union, and in loving remem- 
brance of the birth-place of Abraham Lincoln. 
Not that my eyes first beheld light upon Ken- 
tucky's soil, but just across the beautiful Ohio, 
where the sun '^CoAes peeping up at morn,'' 
beyond the hills of old Indiana's shore. 

I greet thee with *' Flights and Fancies," as 
a ^^Hoosier," dipped and dyed. 

Elizabeth Lockhakt Wickliffe. 



r 



I tender a welcome to every one 

Who reads these pages, for duty, or fun ; 
Victory's the motto encircling the way 

That crowns God's children who are faithful 
today ; 
Shuts out the sorrow, dark days may arise, 

And opens our vision to Love in the skies. 
My heart beats with emotion to those, I vow, 

Who turn these leaves, in after years, or now. 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Kentucky 13 

I Eemember 15 

The Seasons ; 18 

What Is Love? 20 

The Old and New Southland 22 

In Memory of Ed. Vivian Warden 24 

Dearest Girl! 26 

On the Blue Ohio Shore 28 

When the Dogwoods Are in Bloom 30 

A Dream ; 32 

'Way Down on Humphrey 's Creek 34 

The Moss-covered Play House 36 

An Old Letter 38 

Mary and Alice .• 41 

Life 53 

The Paper of Today 54 

Where the Orchard Used to Blossom 56 

The One I Love 58 

The Old Charm String 60 

The Broken Vow 62 

Sundown on the Farm 65 

Good-bye, Mother ! 67 

Dedicated to Graves County, Kentucky 69 

Beautiful Snow -71 

Barefoot Days 73 

God Changed Him, After All 75 

11 



CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

Shakespeare 77 

Solomon 79 

George "Washington 80 

Love for Jesus 82 

When the Chickens Fly to Eoost 84 

If I Had a Sweetheart 86 

The Sweetest Girl in the Land 89 

The Sweetest Hope 97 

A King's Eomance , . 100 

Horace Greeley 102 

The Old Homestead 105 

Heavenly Home 107 

*' With Orange Blossoms in Her Hair*' 109 

James Whitcomb Eiley 112 

Some Churches ! 114 

Gathering the Mistletoe 117 

Kitty and Mouse 119 

Nancy Peck , 121 

Napoleon the Great. 132 

A Child 's Query 133 

The Young Beau 135 

How Sweet the Name ! 137 

When I Die 138 

Old Kentucky 139 

Ask Yourself the Question 141 

I Seek to Know 143 



FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 



KENTUCKY 

Kentucky, dear old Kentucky, 
Where the *^ Meadow grass is blue," 

Where the sunlight falls softest 
At morn, on the early dew. 

Kentucky, dear old Kentucky, 

Where the ** Meadow grass is blue,'' 
Where tint of heaven reflects 

At sunset, in rainbow's hue. 

Kentucky, dear old Kentucky, 

Where the ** Meadow grass is blue," 
Where waters sparkle brightest. 

And the bead of amber hue. 

13 



14 FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 

Kentucky, dear old Kentucky, 
Where the '^Meadow Grass is blue,'' 

Where prettiest girls are seen. 
And the fastest horses, too. 

Kentucky, dear old Kentucky, 
Where the '* Meadow Grass is blue," 

Where Governors die martyrs. 
And politicians are true. 

Kentucky, dear old Kentucky, 
Where the ** Meadow Grass is blue,'' 

Where blood flows through veins of men, 
Most noble, loyal and true! 



I REMEMBER 

I remember the downy pillow 
That rested beneath my head, 

When Mother gently tucked the cover 
Around me, at night, in bed. 

In fancy I hear the old clock now. 
That ticked those sweet hours away, 

When all the world was fair and bright, 
And I was young, light and gay. 

I can hear the papers rattle, 
And the old door's creaky slam. 

Can hear my father calling, 
**0h Liz, where is your Mamf 

15 



16 FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 

My mother's old side-saddle, 
That I've fallen from to earth, 

Was quilted in fancy stitches. 
Yes quilted, e'en the girth. 

And the family horse I rode, 
His name we called *^01d Jim," 

"Was a sort of chestnut sorrel, 
And we thought a lot of him. 

I can taste the good old candy 
Striped all o 'er in white and red. 

Often lain beneath my pillow, 
When I had gone to bed. 

The little churn Father made me. 
From an old quinine jar, 

With its lid cut so roundly. 
And its dasher cut so square. 

I can hear the milk pails rattle, 
Mother calling me from bed ; 

Can see the little kitten 
That was waiting to be fed. 



FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 17 

The clear, cool, cistern water. 

Which I often, often drew, 
Sparkles brighter to me now 

Than the ocean's ocean bine. 

In sadness I dream those old days o'er, 
Though, like years, have flown away; 

God will reward His faithful children. 
At the final Judgment Day. 




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THE SEASONS 

The violets put forth their stem 

To reach the springtime lay ; 
The daffodils reach higher still 

And blossom day by day. 
The raindrops fall, the roses bloom, 

The dogwoods open white, 
And Heavenly stars seem to shine 

In Springtime brighter by night. 

Summer holds her power of growth 

Beneath the noon-day's sun, 
And holds the shortest nights for us 

To sleep when work is done; 
Lends her bright sun-rays beaming down 

To warm up this old earth, 
And lends to every plant and tree 

New growth, new life, new birth. 

18 



FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 19 

Fall brings fast her changing colors, 

And yet we can't see how, 
Sends her winds and frost a-buzzing, 

Through every leafy bough; 
Makes the old corn husks rattle loud, 

And mellows all the grain. 
It makes the summer birds fly home, 

To native heath again. 

Winter holds a strange, strange sadness, 

That seems akin to death, 
And yet, holds a calm, calm beauty, 

In cold, cold icy breath ; 
It robs the forest of verdure. 

And strips the fields of green. 
Except old Kentucky's blue grass. 

Prettiest to be seen. 



WHAT IS LOVE ? 

Wliat is love, I'd like to know! 
Strange sensation and inward glow; 
All things old become as new 
When love's story is sung true. 

What is death, it hath been said, 
By the living and the dead; 
Hearts beat warm with love today, 
That tomorrow passes Vay. 



Love and death, like wind that blows. 
Where it listeth, no one knows; 
Place your trust in God above. 
Who is wise, and who is Love. 

20 



FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 21 

Live today, tomorrow not 
Earthly love is soon forgot; 
Heavenly love, pure, I know, 
Shineth like the bright rainbow. 






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THE OLD AND THE NEW 
SOUTHLAND 

How dear is the old Southland, 

The home of Jackson and Lee ! 
Who fought the North for secession, 

Lincoln said could not be. 
God bless the dear old Southland, 

And memories of thee, 
Who gave up life in battle 

To set her old states free! 
The Old and the New Southland, 

Our Confederates in gray, 
Still live in the hearts of the people 

Of this old Nation today 

22 



FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 23 

Home of the fearless and brave, 

Southland the world doth admit ! 
Deep in our hearts * recollections 

We can never forget. 
The war with North the Southland 

Will mark her pages new, 
And history will reveal 

Facts more brilliant and true. 
The Old, the New Eeunion, 

Our Confederates in gray 
Will live in the hearts of the children 

That are unborn today ! 

When Lee surrendered to Grant 

His little army of men, 
When Davis was taken to prison. 

Oh, think of those times, then! 
When the South was all broken up 

By cruel war o'er slaves 
The blood flowed o'er the Southland, 

And o'er her new-made graves! 
The Old, the New Eeunion, 

Our Confederates in gray. 
Are towering nearer to Heaven, 

God give them a crown, I pray! 




IN MEMORY OF ED VIVIAN WARDEN 

Death, oh death, how sad the hour 

That clothes thy calm array ; 
Life, like a blooming flower, 

Withered and met decay. 

'Twas on a spring-day morning. 
When life was bright and gay, 

God called Ed Vivian Warden 
From this old earth away. 

His form was borne by loving hands, 
Beneath death's cold embrace. 

To a saddened home and lands 
And many a heart and face. 

24 



FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 



25 



May God comfort the Mother 
Who's left to mourn thy fate, 

And bless the loving brother, 
Whilst thou in Heaven wait. 

Thy memory is ever dear, 
Thy grave is ever green, 

Thy image is ever near. 
Thy form on earth's unseen! 



^M![#t^ 



DEAREST GIRL! 

Before I saw thee, dearest girl, 

My heart was light and free as air, 

I never dreamed that love would hurl 
His dart, and make such havoc there. 

But so it is ; thy heavenly eyes. 

Which shine so bright (as though their fire 
Had been extracted from the skies). 

Have won my heart, awaked my lyre. 

IVe gazed on many a beauty's face 
Whom others praised and thought divine, 

But ne'er could real beauty trace 
Until I found it, love, in thine. 

26 



FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 27 

And now, that I, at last, have found 

The being whom I could adore, 
A voice seems in my ear to sound, 

**Thou ne'er shalt behold her more." 

And ah, too true, I fear will prove 
This sad foreboding of my brain. 

The only one my heart could move 
Shall ne'er delight my eyes again. 

Tomorrow I departest hence, 

And wilt thou think of me as one 
Whose love was pure, and as intense 

As e'er was nursed by beauty's sun. 



ON THE BLUE OHIO'S SHORE 

I sat beneath the twilight 

In childhood, where I played, 
And wandered o ^er the dreaming 

Of earthly footsteps made; 
Stood beside the portico. 

And climbed the open stair 
That leads to a vacant room 

Where images were fair. 
On the blue Ohio's shore. 

The Willett homestead stands, 
Yes sacred to me through life, 

Alas, in other hands; 
Where the waters gently curve 

'Eound Little Horseshoe Bend; 
In Meade County, Kentucky, 

Sweet recollections pend. 

28 



FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 29 

The sunlight blinks the waters, 

And Nature is at play, 
The ceaseless tide is ebbing 

Onward, from day to day. 
I strolled beside the waters. 

Where pretty flowers bloom, 
The air, to me, was laden 

With a sweet, mild perfume. 
A sweet voice in the distance 

Said, * * The shrubbery you see 
Was planted by your mother 

In eighteen fifty- three. ' ' 





WHEN THE DOGWOODS ARE IN 
BLOOM 

When tlie dogwoods are in bloom 
And the green is clothed in white, 

We list to the song of love 
In the evening's twilight. 

When the dogwoods are in bloom 
And all Nature's bright and gay, 
There is music in the air 
In warbling of the jay. 

When the dogwoods are in bloom 
In the ** Tassel-time of Spring," 

We hear the plaintive calling 
The **Bob White" seems to sing. 

30 



FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 



31 



Wlien the dogwoods fade their bloom, 
Mother earth will claim the dust, 

Wherein last day we shall lie 
When our Saviour claimeth us. 





- A DREAM 

I saw thee in sad dreams, my love, 
Stood beside thy casket, dear; 
Thy form was placed beneath its lid 
And mine eyes were drenched in tear. 

Silken draperies around thee hnng, 
That were fringed in tinge of gold ; 

The clay that fell upon thy grave 
Like thy form, was icy cold. 

Angels hovering 'round thee, near, 
All were clothed in white array, 

Bade me pleasure e'en unto death, 
And mine tears were dried away. 

32 



FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 33 

They spake the words, ** Awaken, now, 
Leave to ns this form of clay. 

Earth's no longer a resting place 
For the soul that's passed away/' 

And taking their flight Heavenward, 

Ascended on wings of love, 
I then awoke to find thee well. 

My own, my darling, my love! 







•WAY DOWN ON HUMPHREY'S 
CREEK 

Where the cypress bends its knee, 

And the sun is hid from view, 
The wildwood drips at morn 

All wet with early dew. 
The waters and the fish 

Are playing hide-and-seek, 
Where stands an old saw mill 

'Way down on Humphrey's Creek. 



The old logs are all worn sleek. 
Close beside the water's edge, 

The briars and the cane 
Together form a hedge. 

34 



FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 35 

Fish pole, hook, line and bait. 
The light cork's bubbling trend, 

In Fall, Spring and Summer, 

'Way down by Humphrey's Creek Bend. 

The wild rose and the lilies 

Are clustered not far away, 

Mocking birds are singing 

The laborer's cheer at day. 
An old saw mill buzzing 

'Way down on Humphrey's Creek, 
Thus life hath its pleasures. 

For the lowly and the meek. 



THE MOSS-COVERED PLAY HOUSE 

The moss-covered play house, I've longed to 

build o'er, 
And to dream the bright dreams of childhood, 

once more ; 
Sorrow hath latticed many pleasures from view, 
But the moss-covered play house is fresh and 

new. 



The moss-covered play house built by childish 

hands. 
Its smoke-stack and chimney in memory stands ; 
Old grape vines entwining the leaves' tinted hue. 
In fancy the moss-covered play house is new. 

36 



FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 37 

The moss-covered play house in the far off 
lands, 

Where, early in childhood, gave out my com- 
mands, 

Played grown-folks and preaching, and funer- 
als, too. 

The moss-covered play house in fancy is new. 

The moss-covered play house, near the hillside 

stood, 
A favorite resort for **Last Dog on Wood/' 
And the dear old schoolmates in red, white and 

blue. 
The moss-covered play house in fancy is new. 

The moss-covered play house, with its pebbled 

floor. 
Gathered by the bright streamlet's wild rush 

and roar, 
When the world, to me, was innocent and true. 
The moss-covered play house in fancy is new. 



AN OLD LETTER 

I behold an old letter 

That was scanned with eager eye, 
Long before I was born 

Under heaven's sky. 
Unfold the worn pages, 

That were faded from age, 
To view the dim writing 

Upon its soiled page. 

This letter was my mother's, 

And she treasured it for years; 
Whilst now I am reading 

Mine eyes fill with tears. 
Dated in November, 

The month that she was born, 
'Tis from an old sweetheart. 

Lovesick and forlorn. 

38 



FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 39 

It is my father's writing, 

Plainly, plainly now I see, 
The name he signed to Mamma, 

In after year, to me. 
Yes, I'll keep the letter. 

Until this life doth part. 
Treasured by my Mamma, 

Signed **Your old sweetheart." 




MARY AND ALICE 



MARY AND ALICE 

Many a brain is kept in a whirl 
By the suitor of a girl; 
Many a girl is kept in doubt, 
Wondering what it's all about. 

Children together all these years, 
Sharing, each, life's childish tears, 
Before they reach sweet sixteen 
Cupid, oft, doth intervene. 

Strangely oft doth love appear. 
Later in life, to interfere, 
Years grow on, and love grows strong, 
Yet, it seems a passing song. 

43 



44 FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 

Dreaming what the old maid means 
Marries early in her teens; 
Her first love was left to mourn 
Cruel fate that love had borne. 

Joy, peace and love crowned her life, 
Till no longer she was wife, 
When God called her husband home 
She was left on earth alone. 

Life was dark and days were sad, 
To the heart that once was glad ; 
Without an heir to share loss. 
Fortune seemed to be a cross. 

Years hath passed, and time hath fled, 
Since the burial of her dead ; 
Happiness, forsaken friends. 
The * ^ Enchantment distance lends." 

Wandering far from home in life, 
Bravely battling earthly strife, 
To a town in northern State, 
Where she meets again her fate. 



FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 45 

A letter came, bearing news 
Her first love had been abused, 
Wife had sned him for divorce. 
First love caused sad intercourse. 

Just for love and children, dear, 
Oft's been drank life's bitter tear; 
Just for love and long ago. 
Time hath often dealt a blow. 

'Though husband to her was good^ 
She never quite understood 
Why fortune never smiled then. 
On him, as on other men. 

Ambitious for childrens' sake. 
Tantrums, tantrums, oft she 'd take, 
Poor, hard-working workingman. 
Does the best in life he can. 

*^Once my wife, pray thee stay here. 
For our children, who art dear; 
To comfort thee, do my best, 
God, alone, can give me rest." 



46 FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 

Thus they lived in quiet way, 
As he toiled from day to day; 
Supplied needs, as she had been 
Wife to him, regardless sin. 

Sent a missive one bright day, 
To his old love, far away; 
He'd been dreaming o'er the past. 
And life 's pleasures, first and last. 

Why she gave her heart and hand 
To another in the land; 
Why her love long, long was sealed. 
Sad mystery was revealed. 

Why her parents deemed it wrong 
She had kept the secret long; 
Yet, faithful to all her kin, 
A pure, noble wife had been. 

Eiehes had she by the score. 
Yet, happiness dwelt no more ; 
Since her loving husband died. 
For money she had lost all pride. 



FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 47 

** Since thou are alone in life, 
Come and be my darling wife ; 
My love for thee all these years 
Hath caused both misery and tears. 

*^ 'Though I loved my noble wife, 
Some strange longing all in life. 
Ambitious for children's sake, 
Now, I know it was of thee. 

* ^ May Heaven grant that no sin 
Bests on me now, nor has been; 
For poor Mary's rash, rash act. 
Poor, poor woman lost in tact. 

^* Dream sweet dreams of thee by night. 
Yet, awake in sudden fright; 
What is love, that makes me wild. 
Makes me feel again a child?" 

Frantic, frantic, in love's plight. 
Mounts the train and's out of sight; 
Eeaching city Winnipeg, 
Falls and breaks an arm and leg. 



48 FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 

His first love learns his sad fate 
Through the papers of her State; 
Lay iinconscioTis days and days, 
Where the northern sunlight plays. 

**Mary, Mary, art thou nearT' 
Oft exclaimed, in sudden fear; 
**No, my love, your Mary's dead, 
'Tis your own Alice, instead." 

'^ Alice, Alice, is it true. 
Am I dreaming, love, of you I 
Who told thee Mary was dead? 
My, talking out of my head!'' 

* * Thou told me, when first I came, 
Oft callest thou her by name ; 
Hush, my dear, and go to sleep. 
Pray thee, pray thee, do not weep. 

** Alice, dear, pray let me talk, 
I feel strong enough to walk. 
Since I know Mary's alive. 
Father, pray, let me survive! 



FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 49 



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Give me, dear, the pen and ink. 
Ere in death I might, might sink; 
Let me ask her pardon now, 
Let it be my earnest vow.*' 

Poor, poor Mary's heart was sad, 
As no word from him she'd had. 
She wrote quickly to forgive. 
Praying, praying he might live ! 

When he read Mary's letter, 

Alice knew he was better; 

Kissing it, he fell asleep. 

•*Well," she thought, ^*some secret deep." 

Morning broke, the Doctor came, 
He'd been resting 'bout the same; 
Had no fever, pulse were low. 
Doctor thought him mending slow. 

**I feel better, Alice, dear, 

Thy sweet presence gives me cheer; 

Pray come now and sit by me, 

In your eyes that I may see. 



60 FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 

*^See the old love written there 
In thy sweet face, once so fair ; 
With those tender eyes of blue, 
Telling me thy love is true. 

*^ Dreaming, dreaming whilst I slept, 
Heard life's secret thou hast kept, 
Heard thee pledge thy love, once more, 
As thou didst in days of yore. 

'^Let your heart again be mine, 
And my love's forever thine; 
Let my heart again be thine. 
And your love's forever mine." 

Quietly to lonely bed. 

Parson came, and they were wed; 

Alas, able to go home, 

Kissed his bride and went alone ! 

Carried picture of his wife, 
Dearer to him than his life ; 
When 'twas hung beside his own. 
Poor, poor Mary, she did moan. 



FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 51 



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I see, George, that you have swung 
Picture where your first wife's hung; 
If it's allowed to stay here, 
It may bring trouble, I fear. ' ' 



*^Mary, Mary, that's my wife, 
Who is dearer than my life, 
She will soon be here to stay, 
Leave her picture there, I say. 



>> 



**Yes, I'll give her up the house. 
You may live like cat and mouse ; 
When you took another frau, 
Then you broke our marriage vow," 

* * God will never punish me, 
You are jealous, now, I see; 
Alice is so kind of heart. 
You will love her from the start. 

**I told her all thou hadst been, 
Wife and mother, and of kin ; 
Thou hadst lived for children's sake. 
And the garments thou didst make. ' ' 



52 FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 

Alice comes, and George is happy, 
All the children cling to Papa; 
Poor, poor Mary, she stays, too. 
And does like the children do. 

Alice bought a handsome home, 

And they live as rich as loam. 

In a quiet little town. 

Where ** Golden age turns to brown.'' 

Alice gave each child a million, 
And to George she gave one billion; 
Mary shared as child, alike. 
And the picture's hanging tight. 



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LIFE 

Life awakens to its dreaming, 
Like the morning to the day, 

And may gently, and as quickly, 
As the morning, pass away. 

Life is like unto a shadow 
Falling on the briny sea. 

It may reflect sunshine today. 
Tomorrow, in darkness be. 



Life is like a bride's fair veiling. 
Falling downward to the feet. 

May bedeck a form of virtue, 
Or a soul that's indiscreet. 
53 




THE PAPER OF TODAY 

Talk about your papers 
And this is what they say : 

The old ** Courier- Journal" 
Is the paper of today ! 

Deals plainly with the facts 
And that, I like to see ; 

The old ** Courier- Journal" 
Is good enough for me ! 

Give me the * ^ Courier- Journal, ' ' 
The paper of our State, 

In memory of Haldeman, 
A man noble and great ! 

54 



FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 55 

Give me the ** Courier- Journal, " 

With Watterson to write, 
And I defy the nation 

To show me one as bright ! 

Her politics are sound, 

She advocates the truth ; 
Give me the * * Courier- Journal, ' * 

I've loved her from my youth ! 





WHERE THE ORCHARD USED TO 
BLOSSOM 

Where the orchard used to blossom 
I've strolled at early morn, 

And heard the gentle calling 
Of the bugle and the horn. 

The blue grass and the wild flowers 

Blended beneath my feet, 
The mocking birds from the boughs 

Sang in notes so clear and sweet. 

When first I held my sweetheart's hand 

And kissed her rosy cheek, 
Tremblingly plighted love's dream 

In accents soft and meek. 
56 



FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 57 

I bnilded my castles again, 

With only hope in view, 
Outside of God and Heaven, 

To live and die, for you. 

I saw thy form in clouds arise. 

Beheld thy beauteous face ; 
No artist of earth could paint 

Vision of diviner grace. 

Alas, have dreams of thee, sweetheart, 

Like ocean's drifting tide; 
Earth and the stars of heaven 

Are parted far and wide. 



TO ONE I LOVE 

Brown-eyed beauty of cMldhood youth, 
Well hast thou learned bright lessons of truth, 
I've loved thee fondly from whence thou 

played 
Beneath the beech tree's leafy shade. 



Thy soft brown hair in ringlets hung 
About thy neck, whence oft thou swung 
On the yard gate ; I see thee now 
In memory, laughing me bow. 

'Twas then thou flattered me in look 
And of ttimes now in word or book ; 
Likened to thy innocent youth 
Whispereth what thou thinkest, Truth. 

58 



PLIGHTS AND FANCIES 59 

May thy heart ne'er grow sad in years, 
And thy cup ne'er be draught with tears ; 
When thou art grown, may I love still 
Mine Sophia T. ; grant me thine will ! 

Honor and virtue crowns thy name 
Like whence to this old world thou came ; 
May angels guard thee evermore, 
And safely lead from shore to shore ! 




THE OLD CHARM STRING 

Counting the buttons on the old Charm String, 
Each a history to the mind doth bring ; 
From this one's new coat, or that one's old vest, 
Have never determined which I loved best ! 

The tangled brown thread that runs through 

the eye 
"Eecalls to memory the days gone by; 
Each button is marked by ancient design, 
Sacred to me, the old Charm String of mine \ 

Its thread may soon break, from time and from 

care, 
Severing the affection treasured there ; 

60 



FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 61 

Mine eyes may soon close and return to dust, 
Ere buttons from the old Charm String doth 
rust ! 

Beneath the glow of Autumn these lines close ; 
Lay 'way the old Charm String, which hath no 

woes; 
Battle through life beneath the azure sun 
Until at last home in Heaven is won ! 



4i 




THE BROKEN VOW 

Take back the little book-mark 

Which thou bestowedest on me ; 
I deem it now a worthless thing 

And give it back to thee. 
I Ve loved thee deeply, madly loved — 

Ah, it hath been my fate — 
Thou knowest how deep hath been my love, 

And now thou knowest my hate ! 



Take back, take back thy miniature, 
* For when you sent it me 
One sunny Autumn evening 
The birds they sung with glee. 

62 



PLIGHTS AND FANCIES 63 

I did not dream thy form contained 

A heart so black, so base, 
Wherein no holy thought and pure 

E ^er found a resting place. 



I give thee back the picture, too, 

I 'd scorn to keep it now ; 
I think it but a worthless gift. 

Like to thy broken vow. 
Thinkest thou my heart is like a toy 

That's bought with petry gold. 
And trifled with but for an hour 

And then as lightly sold ? 



And, lastly, take the little rose, 

'Tis withered, as you see. 
And faded ; 'tis an emblem meet 

Of thine inconstancy. 
Thou sent it me one cold, bright morn. 

All wet with early dew ; 
Its beauty now hath passed away, 

Thus hath my love for you. 



64 FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 

Go, whisper in another *s ear 

Thy honeyed vows of love, 
Which from thy perjured lips are heard 

And registered above. 
I will not curse thee — no, away. 

And take thy gifts with thee ; 
My manly soul can never bow, 

My heart is proud and free ! 

We part ; 'tis well. May Heaven grant 

Thou ne'er mayest cross my path ; 
I would not have my spirit moved 

To deeper, deeper wrath. 
Drink deep, drink deep of pleasure's cup, 

Be ever gay as now ; 
Yet, conscience, still, will 'mind thee oft 

Of this — thy broken vow. 



1 , 





SUNDOWN ON THE FARM 

It was sundown on the farm, 

When the parting gave me harm, 
The orchard and the graveyard I was near ; 

It is there my mother's lain 

And the tears I can't refrain, 
When wandering 'round at sundown on the 
farm. 



It was sundown on the farm. 

When all nature seemed to charm 
The scenes where my childhood life was spent ; 

It is then I long and sigh 

For the days that have gone by 
When wandering 'round at sundown on the 
farm. 

65 



ee FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 

On the grass I gently kneel, 

Silent tears will often ste^ 
'er the graves of those I love so dear ; 

It is then I long and sigh 

For the days that have gone by, 
When wandering 'round at sundown on the 
farm. 

There may be no tears to shed 

O'er their graves when I am dead. 
Just at sundown on the farm ; 

And the living may forget 

I'm to sleep beside them yet 
Until there'll be no sundown on the farm. 




^^<S^^^7f[r^^ 



GOOD-BYE, MOTHER! 



Please don't grieve, dear Mother, 
Tonight I'm going to wed ; 

You said 'twould seem to you, dear, 
That your boy was dead. 



I love you. Mother, darling, 
And our parting gives me pain ; 

But I'll come back, dear Mother — 
Be your boy again. 



Good-bye, Mother, darling. 

The evening hours now are late, 

And Mary will be waiting 
For me at the gate ! 

67 



FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 

Good-bye, Broflier, Sister, 
May this ne^er be your fate, 

To say farewell to Mother 
At the old yard gate ! 

God bless home and Mother 
As I wander far away ; 

I will return, dear Mother, 
Ere your hair turns gray ! 




DEDICATED TO GRAVES COUNTY, 
KENTUCKY 

When a cliild I lived among you, 
Played beneath your leafy bower ; 

As a woman stand before you, 
Dreaming of that happy hour. 

Further on my parents wandered, 
To Ballard County's wild retreat, 

Near the banks where the Ohio 
And the Mississippi meet. 

But, alas ! they now are sleeping 
Beneath old Ballard's sacred sod, 

To await the resurrection 
And the judgment of their God. 

69 



70 FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 

Bidding adieu to dear old Graves, 
In memory of past fond years, 

Bringeth to mine heart a sadness 
And mine eyes the falling tears. 

God leadeth to home in Heaven 
By walking in the narrow way. 

Sweet will be the resurrection 
To His children judgment day. 




^^ 


1 


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s 



BEAUTIFUL SNOW I 

Beautiful snow from heavenward sky, 
Coveretli the wheat field, covereth the rye ; 
Whiten the house top, whiten the rill, 
Moisten the valley, moisten the hill; 
White, like the soul returneth to God, 
Melting and sinking beneath the sod ; 
Surging against rocks, swelling the tide 
Of mountains and rivers far and wide ; 
Flowing onward, and onward flow, 
Winter's, Old Winter's pure white snow! 

Merrily they with the canines go 
Faster and faster over the snow ; 

71 



72 FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 

In secluded spot to find the trail 
Of rabbit, fox, or bevy of quail. 
Childhood's laughter and childhood's sweet 

play 
Eecalls to mind life's happiest day. 
The old fur cap and gloves for their hands 
Are worn, perhaps, in the far off lands. 
Onward, onward and onward flow. 
Winter's, Old Winter's pure white snow! 



Sweethearts love the sleighbell's soft jingle, 
Horses keep step to music of its tingle ; 
Oh, for an artist to paint from view 
The falling snow or the morning dew ! 
Sunlight sparkles on the pure white snow, 
As 'er the hills and valleys they go ; 
The sweetest season in all the year. 
When the wedding bells are ringing clear ! 
Onward, onward, and onward flow. 
Winter's, Old Winter's pure white snowl 



BAREFOOT DAYS 

Barefoot days, barefoot days, 

Prints of little toes, 
Up and down the cornfield, 

Up and down the rows. 
Here and there a dust pile, 

Prints of little feet. 
Now and then a king hill. 

Very indiscreet. 

Barefoot days, barefoot days, 

Prints of little toes 
A following Papa 

Everywhere he goes. 

73 



U FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 

Playing in the furrow, 
Prints of little hands ; 

Even the old plow horse 
Seems he understands. 

Barefoot days, barefoot days, 

Prints of little toes 
Stamp throughout the nation 

'Mid pleasures and woes. 
Many feet adorn the shoe 

And many a shoe the feet; 
Life without barefoot days 

Would be incomplete. 



GOD CHANGED HIM. AFTER ALL 

The fire^s burning brightly 
And the children gone to bed ; 

Wonder if the doors are locked 
And the transoms overhead? 

Steal beside the window, 
In view of the starry light, 

And listen to the footsteps 
That die upon the night. 

Bead the Holy Bible 

Some precious old chapters through, 
That bringeth consolation 

And happiness to you. 

75 



76 FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 

Kneeling beside your cot, 

Offering prayer to God, 
To keep you and your loved ones 

From wicked life to trod. 

Praise Him for His goodness, 
The kind mercy He hath lent ; 

Ask for a happier life 
Than this one to be spent. 

The weary hours are now late, 

When your husband comes in home ; 

You ask him very kindly 
No more in sin to roam. 

And he answers very plainly, 
**It's none of your business, wife, 

If I choose to roam in sin 
The remainder of my life." 

Whilst upon bended knee 
God answered pleading call. 

Thus was lived a happier life ; 
God changed him, after all. 



SHAKESPEARE 

I never lik'd Shakespeare 
And I will tell yon why : 

He takes yon to heaven 
And drops yon from the sky. 

He wrote abont all things 

In a peculiar way, 
And might have been more careful 

In what he had to say. 

Perhaps I'm saying something 
The world will condemn, 

But I don't like Shakespeare, 
And yon should say '* Amen" ! 
77 



78 FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 

His Fallstaff was funny, 
I'm bound to admit; 

But then he just used him 
To display his funny wit. 

Venus and Adonis, 

He might have left them out, 
And found something better 

To have written about. 

Eomeo and Juliet 

Too long hath made me sick ; 
He pictured them unnatural 

So close in life to stick, 

I don't think he married — 
Perhaps the reason why, 

Someone took Ms Juliet, 
And he was ready to die. 



II nih>s!r!Sflm^!lK^ 


A 


'^M 



SOLOMON 

Solomon reigned forty years 
When God called him home ; 

His works were immortalized 
While upon the throne. 

Solomon was wise and good, 

As not many be ; 
God loved him, and he obeyed 

His own Majesty. 



79 



GEORGE WASHINGTON 

George "Washington, first President, 

Never told a story ; 
It's no strange coincident 

He won fame and glory. 

When he cut the cherry tree 
Truth was mighty comfort. 

Praise was sung throughout the land ; 
George came out triumphant. 

Old chips flew 'round the cherry tree 
When George plied the hatchet ; 

And he was sorry as could be 
Wlien he could not patch it. 

80 



FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 81 

His father praised him for the truth, 

This lovely little child; 
Faithful in childhood and in youth, 

Always gentle and mild. 

This story teaches how to live 

The way that we should die; 
Be thou ready to forgive 

And never tell a lie. 

The father loveth a truthful child, 

And thou shouldst careful be 
To tell the truth, if harsh or mild. 

And it will profit thee. 






LOVE FOR JESUS 

If all the world was mine to give 

I^d give it all to see 
The power of Jesus' love 

Shed abroad to thee! 

What is earth compared to Heaven, 

To the rich or the poor? 
God hath promised, if we'll knock, 

He will open the door. 



God's love is greater than ours; 

Hence He gave His only Son 
That on Him, if we believe, 

Home in Heaven is won. 

82 



FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 83 

Could 'st thou but live on this old earth 

'Till it's consumed by fire, 
'Twould be a moment's happiness 

Compared to Heaven an hour. 

Dark clouds may o'ershadow the sky 

Beyond is silver lining, 
And they may hide from our view 

Heaven's stars shining. 





WHEN THE CHICKENS FLY TO 
ROOST 

When the sun is sinliing low 
And the chickens fly to roost, 

I hear the familiar sound 
Of an old quacking goose. 

The turkey doth wend its way 

To habitude and place; 
The guinea sings ^^pot-a-rack" 

With harmonious grace. 

The ducks homeward to their trough 
Make the water bubbles round, 

Tuck their heads under their wings 
Sleep at night on the ground. 

84 



FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 85 

The cowbelPs distant jingle, 
Far across the fields of snow; 

The little calves with hunger, 
Bleating to mamas go. 

Donning an old gray jacket. 

With milk pail I go in hand, 
'Way down to the old stock barn 

For corn, oats, hay and bran. 

I hear the horses neighing, 

0, so loudly and so bold, 
To say, **Why don't you feed me. 

Those cows are tough and old r ' 



IF I HAD A SWEETHEART 

If I had a sweetheart, I'll tell you what I'd do, 
I'd ask her to marry, and marry quickly, too ; 
I'd tell her I loved her with all, with all my 

heart — 
That if she would marry me, death alone could 

part ; 
Tell her about the farm that wasn't far away. 
Where, when we got married, some day we'd go 

to stay; 
Show her the little farmhouse, built upon the 

hill. 
She could see me all the way when I w.ent to 

mill ; 



FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 87 

Tell her about the chickens, the ducks and the 

geese ; 
When she saved a feather, it must be white as 

fleece. 
I'd show her the shrubbery, where pretty flowers 

grow — 
That if she loved roses, might learn to use the 

hoe ; 
Take her to the smokehouse, and show her all 

the meat 
That, when we were married, we'd be compelled 

to eat; 
I'd show her all the fences, stake and ridered 

high. 
She might see no lover should one, perchance, 

pass by; 
Tell her 'bout the children some day might 

come to us. 
If they cried at midnight she might get up and 

nurse. 
I'd say: *'My Darling, to keep you in bread 

and meat 
You'll have something to do besides to dress 

and eat." 



88 



FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 



Then, if she married me, I^d know it was for 

love, 
And I conld sleep soundly and trust in God 

above. 
Lovers, all, take warning from this courtship 

of mine — 
Susan and I are married, and getting on fine. 



^ 




SWEETEST GIRL IN THE LAND 



SWEETEST GIRL IN THE LAND 



When the sky was all aglow 

In mystic azure blue, 
And the sunlight was streaming 

In mellow, golden hue ; 
In a garden of flowers, 

Where the red roses stand. 
When first I saw dear Mary, 

Sweetest girl in the land ! 

'Twas near an open window 
In tune to *^Ivy Grand,*' 

I first heard her voice ringing, 
The sweetest in the land ! 
91 



92 FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 

'Twas in the evening's twilight, 
When the breeze gently fanned 

The voice to me of Mary, 
Sweetest girl in the land! 



At morning and at evening 

I'd see her pass the way; 
Oft have 1 chanced to meet her 

And this is what she'd say: 
* * Oh, I am just a school girl 

And never had a beau; 
As to having a sweetheart, 

My answer, now, is *No.' " 



And I tried all kinds of plans 

That man ever devised; 
I sent boxes of flowers — 

My love was advertised ; 
I wrote her pretty letters 

In poetry so fine, 
But when I'd mention marry 

She'd always skip that line. 



FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 93 

And at length made up my mind 

To love another girl, 
And wasn't long in thinking 

'Til brain was in a whirl. 
One summer's day I told her 

That life was sad and dark; 
Without someone to love me 

In death I'd soon embark. 



She said, * ' Pray, let me tell thee 

That simply to be wed 
Might bring to thee more sorrow 

Than death would, to be dead; 
I won't, I cannot, love thee, 

And I will tell thee more : 
Why thou hath loved another 

Too long, too long, before." 



^^Thou hast written to Mary 
And made sacred thy vow; 

And now thou cometh to me 
With same story, somehow. 



94 FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 

0, I have read thy letters 
Whence thou declared thy love, 

Sacred by God of Heaven 
And by the stars above.'* 



**Let me tell thee, darling girl, 

I've loved thee long and true; 
And hope, outside of Mary, 

Hath been my love for you. 
If man places on this earth 

Love and affection true, 
And his love is not returned. 

Should his be exiled, too?" 



**Mary is just a schoolgirl. 

And yet, I loved her true ; 
But she never cared for me 

As I now care for you. 
Knowing this, of course I stopped 

My attentions to her ; 
It wasn't more than a month 

'Till thee I didst prefer." 



FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 95 

Dear, if thou thinkest because 

I have loved another 
Thou canst never be my wife, 

Let me be a brother. 
Would not have thee marry me 

If thou love another ; 
I'll decide to live in life 

Just to be a brother." 



** Love's a strange and cruel thing- 

Ah, it hath been to me ; 
Love someone who doesn't care 

Snap of finger for thee ! 
If all the world was diamond 

And I upon it stood, 
I would place thee up higher 

And give thee all I could ! ' ' 



*'Now I assure thee I will 
Always think of thee kind ; 

Should 'st thou ever find the rock, 
Eemember I am thine. 



96 FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 

I did'st not know diamonds grew 
As thou describe they did; 

And if you were on *the rock,' 
In it let me be hid. ' ' 

^ * As years grew on I tarried . 

Around this lovely girl; 
She was just as sweet to me 

As anyone in world. 
And oft I sing of Mary 

And am made to rejoice 
To know that she is happy 

And I have got my choice/' 



THE SWEETEST HOPE 

The darkest day may bring a night 
With heaven's stars gleaming; 

The darkest night may bring a day 
With the sunlight streaming. 

The purest gem, the brightest ray, 

When life is first begun; 
The sweetest hope of earthly joy 

When home in Heaven's won! 

The deepest stream may softest glide 

From ocean to ocean; 
The smallest brook may spend its tide 

With the loudest motion. 

97 



98 FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 

And life may be more perfect bliss 

By some little token, 
And earth may seem a dark abyss 

By some promise broken. 

The stars will fall, the earth will bnrn, 
When time will be no more; 

Oh, how sweet our Savior ^s promise 
To meet on brighter shore ! 

While we wait, and while we linger. 

Days are swiftly flying; 
All that seems so bright around us 

Hastens to the dying. 

When thou hath passed from earthly life 

Heaven or hell is home; 
Thou can't retract one word or look 

Whilst on this earth did roam. 

Let Jesus bear thy burdens now, 

He is willing to save ; 
And His love will safely lead thee 

Beyond this earthly grave. 



FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 99 

God hath promised and is waiting 

To cleanse whiter than snow; 
Thou canst dwell with Him in Heaven, 

Where ill winds never blow. 

Do not let pride and vanity 

Cause thee lose sight of God; 
Be thou careful of temptation 

And wicked life to trod. 

**Eevelation'' describes Heaven, 

With its splendor and gold ; 
All its beauty and its pleasure 

God's children shall behold. 



A KING'S ROMANCE 

The Jersey lily faded beneath life's game of 

chance, 
"When Cupid failed to pierce the heart of a 

King's romance. 
No wonder thou flattereth thyself, others do 

same; 
England's a grand old country, and hath a 

world-wide fame. 
Thy kind, good and gentle mother, graced her 

soil for years, 
Her mem'ry sweetly lingers with millions who 

shed tears. 
Whilst on the banks of life may thy days in 

peace be spent. 
When the Father calleth, may love and mercy 

be lent ! 

100 



FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 101 

This life is but a shadow between heaven and 
hell, 

How long to be suspended no one on earth can 
tell. 

A heart and hand is working in the city today 

To clothe unfortunate, and feed the hungry, 
they say. 

It is Mary Anderson of whom Kentucky's 
proud, 

Whose virtue and honor before Thy Majesty 
vowed. 

Ah, well hath been honored her fair and untar- 
nished name — 

A type of true womanhood, whence old Ken- 
tucky's fame. 






HORACE GREELEY 

When Horace Greeley was a child 

He read at the age of two, 
And when he was but seven 

Had read many books through. 

For seven miles around his home 
Borrowed books from those he knew, 

And as day by day he read 
In knowledge thus he grew. 



His father moved to Vermont state 
Wlien Horace wasn't but ten. 

The first of his profession 
In journalism was then. 

102 



FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 103 

He landed in New York city 

In eighteen forty-one ; 
Ten dollars in his pocket 

His clothes in a bundle done. 

Yet at first he was unlucky 

And uncertain of success, 
But the old *^New York Tribune^' 

Forever made redress. 

Soon his name was celebrated 

For honor and fame he won, 
By the old ^ * New York Tribune, ' ' 

Of eighteen forty-one. 

Thus hath his life been cherished. 

And memory sacredly kept 
In the hearts of the nation. 

Like dust wherein he's slept. 

The inscription on his tombstone 
And his long, long mouldered dust. 

Brings the old ^^New York Tribune" 
Closer and closer to us. 



104 FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 

For the help he lent Jeff Davis 

With heart, with strength and hand, 

Lives forever in the homes 
Of the old and new Southland. 

Could he have been our President, 
Good will and peace would have reigned, 

The feeling would have hastened 
We long ago should have gained. 

But alas, in seventy and two, 

U. S. Grant defeated him; 
All broken down by labor, 

Old age and sorrow killed him. 




THE OLD HOMESTEAD 

I can see the dear old homestead 
With its mortise and its clay; 

Can hear the gentle voices 
That, like it, have passed away. 

The old shade trees are towering 
That gave me shelter and ease ; 

But that was when I was young, 
And they bended to the breeze. 

Ah, seemingly the earth hath grown, 
Perhaps from foliage dust; 

The lilac's purple blossoms 
Are changed in fragrance to us. 

105 



106 FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 

The sweet-briar that grew by the window, 

No trace of it can I find ; 
Oft I've gathered its roses, 

In my mother's hair entwined. 

The green wax myrtle that blossomed, 

The trailing roses that grew 
Around the old portico, 

Alas ! have faded from view. 

Where the orchard used to blossom 
And the bees gathered the dew, 

'Twas there I plucked the flowers 
In springtime, my love, for you. 

I gaze once more in the old well; 

It's bright waters bathed me first. 
Long didst it afford me drink, 

Now its memories quench a thirst. 

No matter what joy may abound, 

Either if single or wed. 
Memories will ever haunt thee 

In life of the old homestead. 



HEAVENLY HOME 



In the valley of death, 

^Vhere clouds arise, 
Opening to view 
The heavenly skies. 
Let angels standing 'round the throne 
Beckon to thee heavenly home. 



Chorus. 

Heavenly home, heavenly home, 
Angels beckon, heavenly home! 

Heavenly home, heavenly home. 
Angels beckon, heavenly home, 

107 



108 FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 

On the day of judgment 

May angels stand 
Eeady to waft thee 
To heavenly land; 
Soul carried to Heaven above — 
To Blessed Redeemer, who is Love! 

Let the Glory of God 

Around thee shine ! 
And open thy eyes 

To Heaven divine. 
Heaven divine! Heaven divine! 
Open thy eyes to Heaven divine ! 



"WITH ORANGE BLOSSOMS IN HER 
HAIR" 

(The following poem was taken from a bride's 
vision before her marriage. She was thrown 
from a coupe and instantly killed while return- 
ing from the church to her home. The husband 
became insane and started in wild pursuit of 
his lost bride, whose given name was **Liliie.'' 
Finding a snow white flower which overhung 
a tall precipice, imagining his lost bride had 
been transformed into flower, reaching out to 
clasp his lost bride, fell into the mighty waters 
and was drowned.) 



109 



110 FLIGHTS AND PANCIES 

With orange blossoms in her hair, 

The sun ne'er shone on one more fair; 
Bride only a moment ago, 

Dwells in Heaven, from earthy woe ; 
Together, seated side by side — 

Seeking Mother, and Home, she died. 
Lifeless form on the cold ground lay 

Fair, young bride on her wedding day, 

Chokus. 
With orange blossoms in her hair, 

A sunny day presaging fair, 
A vision in the sky arose 

Like soldiers robed in angels' clothes; 
Marching to music of the sky. 

Aphorism — she was to die. 

With orange blossoms in her hair, 

Lain to rest near the old church there. 
Sacred vows enshrining thy heart. 

Death, alone, could sever or part. 
His hair turned white, his mind had fled, 

He fancied not his Lillie dead ; 
King in envious pride had grasped 

The lost prize he longed to have clasped. 



FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 111 

Transformed to a snow white flower, 

Beaching out with maddening power 
To clasp the prize he long had sought, 

In mighty waters death was wrought. 
Sleeping beneath the silent tomb, 

'Waiting the resurrection doom, 
'er two graves lying side by side 

Fair lilies drop at eventide. 



JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY 

Eiley began with a little child, 
Teaching lessons gentle and mild ; 
Sowing seed for the mind to grasp, 
Holding a nation within his clasp. 

The Hoosiers are prond of Eiley, 
And I don't blame them one, one bit, 
I was a Hoosier once myself 
And am sort of a Hoosier yet ! 

When * * Marse Henry ' ' was * * gwing ' ' ofP, 
James Whitcomb Eiley wrote in rhyme, 

* ' Our Watterson, our Watterson, ' ' 
Seemed almost at every line. 

112 



FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 113 

But when Taylor left Kentucky 

J. Eiley never said a word, 
And though he'd been our Governor, 

His life he never, never stirred. 

I am a poor, poor weak poet, 
Compared to J. Eiley in rhyme, 

Let Taylor come to Kentucky 
And I'll try him, myself, one time. 





SOME CHURCHES ! 



Have you ever gone to Church 

When the attendants were few, 
And sat up near the preacher 

On the right hand pew? 
Have you heard members giggling, 

Though inquiring who you are, 
If to say, **You might have come 

From some distance afarf 

Minister begins to talk 
In impressive, earnest way, 

You'd not be able to hear 
Half he had to say. 

114 



FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 115 

You decide to stay at home 
Would be better for His cause, 

Than there to try to obey 
Our loving Father's laws. 

So it is in most Churches 

In this land of ours today ; 
Many there be who hear not 

Half the preachers say. 
Which you think would be the worse, 

To stay at home all their days 
Or go to Church on Sundays 

And not to mend their ways ? 

I believe God will punish 

All the people of this kind, 
Unless He decides they be 

Of an unsound mind. 
Wear all colors of rainbow, 

Their hats even seem to match! 
If their names are up Yonder, 

The Lord will surely scratch. 

Contribution box is passed 
By request, among the crowd. 



116 FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 

Your hear ^ twenty cents'' whispered 

In accents too loud. 
The benches are all dusty 

And the blinds are nearly down ; 
So it is in most Churches 

Of the country and town. 



Jk 




^^^^s 


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GATHERING THE MISTLETOE 



Gathering the mistletoe 
From the leafless bower; 

When the berries waxen white 
Gather the mistletoe! 

Gathering the mistletoe, 
Gathering the mistletoe ! 

Lovers kiss, its nothing 'miss, 
Gather the mistletoe! 

Gathering the mistletoe, 

The Christmas days are near; 
Lovers fall out— nothing 'bout 

Gather the mistletoe! 

117 



118 



FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 



Gathering the mistletoe, 
Days are swiftly flying, 

Boys are sighing, girls crying — 
Gather the mistletoe! 

Gathering the mistletoe, 
Bells are sweetly ringing 

The Old Year out. New Year in- 
Gather the mistletoe! 





KITTY AND MOUSIE 



Growing tired of its bed of ease 
The cat raiseth to yawn, to sneeze, 
Grouping its feet upon the floor, 
Tucketh its tail around the four. 
Looking anxiously at the fire. 
As knowledge of it to acquire; 
Now listens, with wonder and awe. 
Where the cricket or mouse doth gnaw ! 
Ah, soon its tail begins to wag, 
Look out, mousie, he'll get your tag! 
Lo, it's bouncing high in the air, 
Fun for kitty to treat unfair! 

119 



120 FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 

When little mousie's out of sight 
Kitty hath lessened appetite ; 
And nothing but the tail remains, 
Kitty hath eaten head and brains ! 




NANCY PECK 



NANCY PECK 



Clothing the rich in satin and silk, 
Starving the poor for bread and milk, 
Flashing the diamonds day and night, 
Bobbing the poor of fire and light. 

Linsey and lawn and calico 
Adorn true womanhood, I know ; 
Spinning, weaving and working hard, 
Money is mighty, but people get tired. 



Many a child hath fallen asleep 
Whilst Mother o'er city didst creep. 
Begging alms for her helpless child, 
From hunger and cold frantic wild. 

123 



134 FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 

There is a woman I'll tell you about 
Wlio lived in fashion once, no doubt ; 
And the statement she hath to give 
Shows how humbly that some folks live. 

Passing the door of rich estate, 
Coachman in carriage front didst wait ; 
A lady dressed in sealskin fur 
Came walking down the aisle passed her. 

** Won't you give me a penny, Dear? 
My little child is starving, I fear; 
I have no way to earn my bread, 
pray, be merciful, ' ' she said. 

' * Dare speak to me and you will fly 

To Police Station, by and by ; 

Nasty, dirty, trifling old wench. 

Venture thou with whisky would drench." 

^^ Drive me, coachman, to Astor place. 
And dare not look me in the face ; 
When carriage stops, just turn your head, 
Or you'll be shot, and shot 'till dead. 



FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 125 

**I'm going there to meet a friend 
With title and with wealth to lend; 
Going to leave a handsome home 
And with a handsome fortune roam. 

* * Now promise me one little task 
And yon may gness just what I ask ; 
Should you meet that beggar again, 
Please try to kill her, if you can. 

^ * She goes around and begs all day 
And this is what she hath to say: 
'Won't you give me a penny. Dear, 
My little child is starving, I fear.' '' 

The coachman meets her going back, 
Takes her beside him in the hack, 
And when he asked her if she'd ride. 
He turned his face from her to hide. 

'*Poor woman, I will treat thee right. 
Thou hath a fortune far more bright 
Than Mistress gone to Paris, France; 
Though thou may'st not know it, perchance." 



126 FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 

He drove around to lowly hut, 
Saying to himself, * * Tut, tut, tut, 
I'll go in and see what she's got; 
In middle of floor a corpse sure sot." 

'*0h God, is this my darling child, 
Stiffly frozen in death's cold wild." 
No food, no drink, no hand to care 
But God's, was plainly written there. 

The coachman placed them in the hack 
And slowly drove from lonely shack; 
Corpse to undertaker he sent 
And money for a casket he spent ; 

He took the woman to boarding in — 
'Twas there she met some noble kin. 
Crossing waters of mighty deep, 
Her husband fell in death's cold sleep. 

The coachman came around next day 
And offered board for her to pay ; 
The landlord said, * * Thou hath been good, 
Doing for the poor what thou could." 



FLIGHTS AKD FANCIES 127 

* ' Give thee twenty shillings per day, 
When thou are old I'll double pay; 
Accept them for trouble of thine, 
The lady is a cousin of mine. 

**The little child you found, who died, 
Shall soon sleep by my first wife's side, 
And God will bless thee for thy deed, 
Eegardless sect, color, or creed. 

**I thank thee Coachman, from my heart. 
May home in Heaven be thy part. 
Wherein some day I hope to meet 
Loved ones forever there to greet." 

Eesting on that beautiful morn 
Sweet dreams were floating 'round the form; 
** Bring 'round thy hack at half -past three 
And take me to the cemet'ry." 

A foreign minister in town 
Takes the funeral notice down; 
He sailed across the Ocean far 
And sailed on the '^America." 



128 FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 

His wife, perchance, found note one day 
And this is what she had to say : 
*^0h God, is this my sister, dear. 
Whom I haven't seen for many a year? 

^ ' Frank will leave me, no donbt he will, 
If he thinks I'm of low distill ; 
It cannot be that this is she 
Whose name across hath followed me. 

*^ Never knew what became of her. 
She married man of low rever; 
They had one child, a little boy, 
Who was to them all life and joy. 

* * Oh yes, they had a little girl. 
With rosy cheeks and hair with curl, 
Whose name was Nancy, it was said — 
Could it be, now, that she is dead?" 

Her husband said, real candidly, 
'* Child's mother is your sister, seel 
Her eyes are dark, her hands are small, 
And she, like thee, is very tall. ' ' 



FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 129 

**I'll write to her, and ask her why- 
She lives alone in this world's cry; 
I'll ask her here, to live with me, 
And let my life an incense be. ' ' 

Here is the answer she replied : 
* * That since my loving husband died 
I've begged for pittance, rich or poor. 
And have been turned from your own door. 

''I called one morn at thy old home, 
A carriage waited if to roam ; 
The coachman sat in broadcloth sleek, 
Seemingly waiting message meek. 

**As thou came out of marble hall 
I glanced upon thy beaut 'ous wall 
And met thee in the narrow way 
That leads up to thy window bay. 

'^I asked thee for a penny, dear, 
Mine eyes were wet with briny tear ; 
Thou said to me, Oh, cruel words ! 
My life, to thee, was simply scourge. 



130 FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 

''The coachman sat with head erect, 
Your message seemed he to eject, 
When off he drove with hurried pace — 
The last I saw thee face to face. 

*^I roamed about that sad, cold day, 
Received few pennies for my pay ; 
When I returned to lonely bed 
I found my only child was dead. 

^ ^ The fire was out, the coals were warm, 
The wind was raging wild with storm ; 
My little child had crawled near grate. 
And cold in death was her sad fate. 

**Your humble coachman bade me ride 
And placed the corpse at his left side ; 
Drove up and down the noisy street — 
My clothing wet from head to feet. 

*^ Opposite the funeral place 
There lived my cousin, Nellie Grace ; 
The coachman said, * You can stay here, 
I know these people to be dear.' 



FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 131 

**When I walked in they said to me, 
*Is this my cousin, Nancy Lee?' 
They clasped their hands about my neck 
And cried, ^My poor, poor Nancy Peck!' 

**I thank thee, sister, kindness took 
A sparkle from the muddiest brook ; 
The vilest souls atone from sin. 
Whiter than any snow hath been. 

**I have a home' with Nellie Grace, 
Who always knows me face to face; 
When first your coachman brought me here 
She tried to wipe away my tear. 

**God rules in mysterious way 
And works His wonders day by day ; 
His children may be lowly clad 
For brighter life yet to be had. ' ' 



NAPOLEON THE GREAT 

That Napoleon was great 

Hath never been denied, 
But to say that he was good 

Should never be applied. 
He might have lived to conquer 

Had he not forsaken wife, 
And lived the more happily 

The latter days of life. 
Josephine was noble. 

Despite his wicked way, 
And her life is more admired 

Than Bonaparte's today. 



132 



A CHILD'S QUERY 



**Is Santa Claus good, or bad, which, 
Forgets the poor remembers rich? 
Does God see Santa pass the door 
To feed the rich and starve the poor? 

**Will he be punished when he dies! 
Will he be sent to where fire flies V^ 
**Yes, my child, God will punish those 
Old hypocrites, robed in sheep ^s clothes. 



* * In a lake of fire and brimstone 
They'll pray for rocks to fall, millstone ; 
Be thou faithful, for God is love, 
And will lead thee to Home above. 

133 



134 FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 

^*Iii Heaven where friends never part, 
Joy forever dwell in thy heart-, 
Thou can'st not always live on earth; 
Blessed our loving Savior's birth! 

*^Our Savior died upon the cross 
To protect us from Eden's loss; 
We are commanded, day by day. 
To teach our loving Savior's way. 

* * God saves from everlasting hell, 

In Heaven forever to dwell; 

And when life breaks from this old earth. 

Let fly to God who gave it birth. 

** Passing the Great Beyond that day. 
May angels guide thee on the way ! 
Oh, cruel world, for thee I pray. 
Prepare to meet the Judgment Day! 

**When time's no more an angel's hand 
Will sound the trumpet from that land ; 
Every tongue will confess to God 
The wickedness on earth that's trod." 



THE YOUNG BEAU 

I know I*m not good looking, 
Can tell that by the glass, 

But think that my beauty, 
At least, ought to pass. 

I buy fancy candies, 

And everything that's nice. 
For the girls once a week. 

And sometimes twice. 

I take them to parties 

Whenever they go; 
But when it comes to marry, 

Then I've got no show. 

135 



136 FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 

I bought me an auto 
With a double seat ; 

Now I have to ride in front 
Because of my big feet. 

The girls that I go with 
Dress in broadcloth fine, 

But when I mention marry, 
Well, they haven't got time! 




HOW SWEET THE NAME! 



Mother, Mother, how sweet the name 
Falls from mortal lips the same; 
No human tongne hath power well 
The echoing music this doth tell. 
'Tis first to lisp from childish tongue ; 
Throughout the land and years 'tis sung; 
First to help to soothe our pain 
And to kiss it well again. 



137 



WHEN I DIE 



Let Jesus bear the way to Heaven when I die 
And my soul be wafted to music of the sky; 
And all my life be blotted from this earthly sin, 
The pearly gate be opened to enter therein ; 
Play golden stranded harp and dwell with God 

above, 
And sing His praise forever for redeeming 

love; 
Wear a crown of glory on my immortal brow, 
All eternity be spent praising God somehow; 
Mine ears be made to listen, mine heart to 

receive 
And abide the lesson on Jesus to believe. 



138 



OLD KENTUCKY 



Give me Old Kentucky, 
I'm homesick and forlorn; 

Give me Old Kentucky, 
The State where I was born ! 

Give me Old Kentucky, 
The State I love so well ; 

Give me Old Kentucky, 
The place I long to dwell. 

Give me Old Kentucky, 
The place I left my heart ; 

Give me Old Kentucky, 
Never again to part. 

139 



140 FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 

Give me Old Kentucky, 
My old home, far away ; 

Give me Old Kentucky, 
The home of Henry Clay. 

Give me Old Kentucky, 
Where roses bloom in May ; 

Give me Old Kentucky, 
Where birds are singing gay. 

Give me Old Kentucky, 
When I am called to die ; 

Give me Old Kentucky, 
Beneath her sod to lie. 



ASK YOURSELF THE QUESTION 

Will you be missed when you die? 

Ask yourself the question; 
No doubt the answer will be 

One of great perplexion. 

Have you put your trust in God? 

Ask yourself the question; 
And if the answer is **No/' 

Heed now this suggestion. 

What hath been your example ? 

Ask yourself the question; 
If the answer isn't good, 

Make ye this confession. 

141 



U2 FLIGHTS AND FANCIES 

And what will be your reward? 

Ask yourself the question; 
For God will be just to all 
, On the Eesurrection. 

And have you been converted? 

Ask yourself the question ; 
Now if the answer is **yes," 

Make good this impression. 



I seek to know this volume's doom, 
And trust the world will give it room ; 

All books are what some authors make — 
Await thy judgment, for my sake. 

'Tis not a dream of rhyme or beauty 

This work doth trend. 
But a sense of love and duty, 

These writings end. 
Guided thus, may thy pathway 

Open to view 
A light pure as Heaven 

And as fresh as dew! 



143 



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